AN: Obviously, JKR owns all the characters, and all rights go to her and her publishing people.
Chapter 2
The Great Hall was filled with students, despite the smaller population this year. Hermione briefly wondered if a shrinking charm cast on the room. She sat at the Gryffindor table between Ginny and Dean and across from Neville.
The conversation had steered toward the seventh years who opted to not return. Sitting in one room made it easy to see who were no-shows.
"Cho's not here." Neville commented when he cast a glance at Luna, who sat at the Ravenclaw table reading a magazine upside down.
"It's no surprise." Ginny scoffed. "She's Chaser for the Holyhead Harpies! Why would she want to come back and take classes?"
Neville turned his head so fast Hermione was worried that it might snap. He and Dean jumped into a heated discussion about her matches at school.
Ginny looked at Hermione expectantly; she knew that Hermione had a chip on her shoulder about how the seeker had treated Harry after Cederic had been killed.
"That's awesome." Hermione half heartedly commented and raised an eyebrow at the finger girl next to her. Ginny smiled in response and nudged Hermione.
Dinner continued with Neville, Dean, and Ginny discussing Quidditch while Hermione only half listened. Across the table, Draco was paying the same amount of attention to his friends as he watched Hermione.
He had to figure out how to get her to fall in love with him in a year. And she hated him! No, loathed was probably a better word. He had been too proud to refuse Theo in front of their friends, who had been sure she would eventually fall to his charms. Privately, he was convinced that he wouldn't even be able to manage more than a minute conversation with her.
He was grateful when Professor McGonagall bid the students goodnight. If he made it to the doors in time he could snag a quick conversation with her, get the ball rolling early. As he stood up with his friends, he saw her do the same thing.
She was with the Weasley girl. If he could count on one person to cause a scene, it would be her. But, that also meant if he got her on his side she'd be his biggest supporter. He hung back a bit, brushing off phantom crumbs until they had left the Great Hall.
Stepping out of the Great Hall minutes later, he caught sight of Granger and Weasley a short distance ahead, their voices carrying faintly through the corridor. They were discussing the Ravenclaw seeker, Cho Chang, who had apparently joined the Holyhead Harpies. As much as he hated to admit it, she was a great Quidditch player; she had gotten to the snitch before him more than once during their time at school.
As luck would have it, Ginny needed to stop and tie her shoelace. The pair stepped to the side of the hall and paused, allowing other students to pass them. Draco followed the straggling students through the hall, toward the two Gryffindors.
Hermione had been looking down at Ginny, clearly politely listening to the redhead's continued gushing of Cho. She looked up when she saw green robes among the blues, yellows, and reds, only to catch Malfoy's eye. She glared at him, prepared for the typical badgering that always occurred. However, the corner of his mouth turned up in what could've been a smile, and brushed a hand through his hair as he passed her, not stopping to fight.
Shocked, her eyes followed him, eyebrows furrowed. Had he smiled at her? Ginny stood up and glared at Hermione.
"What?" Hermione asked quickly.
"You weren't listening, were you?" Ginny raised an eyebrow and glared at Hermione.
"Of course I was, Gin." Hermione replied as the pair set off to the Gryffindor common room.
"Then what was I saying?" Her playful tone contradicted her harsh demeanor.
"Cho has been awesome with the Holyhead Harpies and you're not surprised because she was so good in school." Hermione summed up the night's discussion and nudged Ginny, causing her to chuckle.
"Okay, okay. I guess I was a little much?" Ginny asked sheepishly.
"A bit, but I still love you." Hermione laughed.
The walk to the Gryffindor room was spent in comfortable silence. A first year Hufflepuff stopped them in a hall and asked them for help to get to his common room. The two agreed and changed course for the common room that connected to the kitchens.
"Thank you so much!" The boy panted as they led him toward his common room. "My name's Archie."
"I'm Hermione, and this is Ginny." Hermione pointed to herself and Ginny respectively.
"Hermione Granger and Ginny Weasley?" The boy squeaked and came to a halt.
The girls stopped a few steps ahead, surprised that he knew their names. They exchanged a confused glance before turning to face him. His eyes were wide as saucers as he gazed up at them, admiration coating his features.
"How do you know who we are?" Ginny asked cautiously.
"I'm Archie Chang." He amended, and the girls gaped at him.
"You're Cho's younger brother?" Hermione questioned excitedly. She didn't know her friend had a younger brother.
"Yeah." He replied, casting a glance around them.
"Are you okay, Archie?" Hermione asked.
"Oh, yeah." He scratched the back of his neck and looked down. "Once people found out who I am they were really nice to me! It was wicked! But then… they only cared about Cho, I don't think any of their questions were about me."
Hermione was instantly reminded of Harry their first year; he had become so famous for something he didn't even remember, and everyone knew who he was and wanted to be his friend. He found out who was the "right sort" to hang out with before they even made it to the Sorting Ceremony.
As they continued walking towards Archie's common room, Hermione and Ginny listened empathetically to his concerns. Hermione, in particular, understood how it felt to be overshadowed by someone famous in their own right, having experienced it with Harry Potter. She felt a connection with Archie, knowing the pressure and expectations that might come with being related to a famous Quidditch player like Cho Chang.
As Hermione and Ginny reached Archie's Hufflepuff common room, they paused outside the entrance, preparing to bid farewell. The flickering torches cast a warm glow on their faces as they exchanged heartfelt smiles.
Hermione spoke first, her voice gentle and reassuring, "Archie, it was really nice to meet you. Don't worry too much about people's initial curiosity. True friends will see you for who you are, and you'll find those who genuinely care about you, not just because of your sister."
Ginny nodded in agreement, adding, "Exactly! You're a cool guy, and people will come to realize that. Just give it time, and you'll see."
Archie looked grateful for their kind words, a small smile forming on his face. "Thanks, Hermione, Ginny. I guess I've been worried about this for a while. It's just that being Cho's brother can be overwhelming sometimes."
Hermione placed a reassuring hand on Archie's shoulder, offering support. "It's perfectly normal to feel that way. Remember, you're your own person, and you have so much to offer. Don't let others define you solely based on your sister's achievements."
Ginny chimed in, "And don't forget, you've got two new friends right here who think you're pretty great!"
Archie's smile widened, and he seemed more at ease. "Thanks, Hermione and Ginny. You both are amazing. I'll remember what you said and give it my best shot."
Hermione nodded, feeling a sense of connection with Archie. "That's the spirit! If you ever need someone to talk to or if there's anything we can do to help, don't hesitate to reach out. We're here for you."
Ginny added playfully, "Yeah, consider us your Gryffindor buddies!"
Archie chuckled, feeling grateful for their kindness. "I will, thank you. And if either of you need any Quidditch tips or want to know more about Cho, I'd be happy to share."
Hermione smiled, appreciating the offer. "That sounds great! We might take you up on that."
As they prepared to part ways, Archie extended his hand first to Hermione, who shook it warmly. "Take care, Hermione. Thanks again."
Ginny followed suit, giving him a friendly hug, "You too, Archie. Don't be a stranger, okay?"
Archie grinned, "Deal. See you around!"
With that, Hermione and Ginny waved goodbye as Archie entered his common room. They turned to each other, the hallway filled with a sense of camaraderie and understanding.
Ginny playfully nudged Hermione, "Nice job back there, Hermione. You really know how to make people feel better."
Hermione blushed but smiled gratefully. "I just try to be supportive. It was the right thing to do."
Ginny grinned, "Well, you did a fantastic job. And I have a feeling Archie will be just fine."
Hermione nodded, "I think so too. Let's head back to our common room now."
AN: Let me know what you think!
